by Monica McCormick
Jimeyer and Aaron Thomas Timlin at Hutzel Hospital, circa 1970s.
Andy Gaitens playing Father Jim Meyer had the opportunity to meet his character. It was an experience not only getting to know his role, but learn more about the major theme of the play – changing the structure of an institution.
“It was a really cool resource you don’t always get to have. One of the fascinating things about him is he’s a priest so he’s fatherly, but he’s also a lawyer – almost opposite personalities so he’s this fun in-between guy.”
Gaitens described Fr. Meyer as a funny, energetic, smart guy who is a wonderful story teller. He loves listening to music, working with kids, and appreciates people and life in general. Fr. Meyer takes advantage of life and goes beyond the limits, using his talents to better the community.
“It’s really an honor to play him. I can trick myself into thinking I’m a great guy too,” Gaitens joked. As a 2013 Wayne State University graduate, this is Gaitens’ third professional play and first lead character role. He has always enjoyed reading plays, participated in them during high school, which led him to get a Bachelor of Arts in Acting.
In Gaitens’ professional early career, his roles have gradually progressed. In his first professional play, he was a supporting character, but opened the show. In the second, he played a middle link though heavy supporting character. Now, in Walk Tall, he has the most lines playing the lead character of Father Meyer, which he described as rather intimidating. “I’m really excited to get to tell a story of an important figure which has kind of been in the shadows. I get to learn about this guy who took the initiative to make our community better and I hope he likes it,” Gaitens said, being a Detroit resident. He went on to describe Fr. Meyer as a local legend in Detroit. Walk Tall is a play telling the untold story of someone who’s worked hard in the community. It’s one of community involvement, where it’s become harder to be involved now.
Jimeyer, circa 1960s
“Stories from the past are easier to talk about, but the problems are ones that still exist today. It brings those problems to the present, but shows them in the past as an allegory. The play is an allegory for what we have going on right now.” Gaitens admitted he is a comic book collector, having over 100 consecutive issues of Spider Man and watched more cartoons than live action. Fitting for the role, he’s that ‘fun in-between guy’ he described Fr. Meyer as.
Walk Tall 